New Audi A4 nears 2015 launch

Fifth-generation
A4 saloon due on sale in the UK in the middle of next year; Avant and Allroad
models to follow. This early Audi A4 test mule is believed to be evaluating the new car’s chassis.

This is our latest look at the fifth-generation Audi
A4, which is still in the relatively early stages of development ahead of its
launch next year. It is expected to go on sale in the UK in the second half of
2015.

This engineering mule wears bodywork from the current car.
Previous prototypes have worn heavy disguises, but the latest interpretation of
Audi’s front grille, seen on thenew TT, should feature alongside that
car’s angular LED headlights.

Based on the second-generation MLB platform, the new A4 will
be part of a push for improved economy from Audi. A range of longitudinally
mounted 1.4, 1.8 and 2.0-litre TFSI engines are expected to power the new A4,
some featuring cylinder shut-down technology, alongside 1.6 and 2.0-litre
diesel units. At least one model should offer CO2 emissions of less than
100g/km. Audi is also planning to introduce 3.0-litre TFSI and TDI engines,
such as the oneshown in Viennathis week, but those will likely be
mainly for the US market.

A plug-in hybrid model, using the same petrol-electric
powertrain as theA3 e-tronand with an electric-only range of around
30 miles, is also planned. A diesel-electric system is also under development
and could be introduced later on to feed a growing demand for hybrids in
Europe.

Both six-speed manual and nine-speed automatic gearboxes
should be offered, but today’s multitronic CVT will be dropped from the
line-up. All A4 models will be front-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive
available as an option. Stop-start technology, brake energy recuperation and
thermal management should also feature.

The saloon variant of the A4 will launch first, with an
Avant model appearing soon after. Reports suggest an Allroad version will
follow later in the year, while successors to the A5 coupe, cabriolet and
Sportback are also planned for 2016.

The A4’s length and height will remain close to the current
car, but its width will increase in order to house a new chassis with wider
tracks. The wheelbase of the new car should also be longer than the 2810mm of
the current A4. The new A4’s boot capacity should remain the same as the
current A4, at 480 litres.

Inside, the new A4 should offer a minimalistic design with
extras such as a head-up display available as options. The latest version of
Audi’s MMI infotainment system should also be available, controlled via a
touchpad as seen on the new Audi TT.

Currently one of the top-ranking compact executive models,
the new A4 will face stiff competition from the BMW 3-seriesand new Mercedes-Benz
C-class.